Emergency! The Truth Behind Rosewood Regulations and New Jacaranda

What Is Rosewood?

First, what exactly is rosewood? You probably know in general that it’s a type of wood used in guitars, but in fact, “rosewood” is a general term for plants classified under the genus Delbergia in the legume family.

In Japan, it’s also known as “shitan,” and aside from musical instruments, it’s recognized as a premium wood used in furniture, handicrafts, and car interiors. It earned the name “rosewood” because its cross-section emits a scent reminiscent of roses.

Why Rosewood Is Chosen as Guitar Wood

Rosewood has long been used in acoustic guitars due to its excellent stability, durability, and acoustic properties after seasoning. It often features a subdued grain pattern in a dark reddish-brown hue, and its distinctive resin-filled lines are exotic and beautiful; the wood’s appearance varies depending on the section, creating a truly unique and distinctive character.

What Is Jacaranda? How Is It Different from Jacaranda?

Although it is often referred to in Japan by the Spanish name “Hacalanda,” it is a completely different plant from the Jacaranda (Jacaranda), which belongs to the genus Jacaranda in the Bignoniaceae family. In the 1960s, when production of both electric and acoustic guitars was booming and Hacalanda was widely used, it was designated as an endangered species under the Washington Convention. Restrictions were placed on logging and international trade.

Even today, it remains highly prized as a top-grade wood, and both vintage guitars made with Brazilian rosewood and guitars crafted from wood stockpiled since that era command high prices. With crisp, clear highs, tight and punchy lows, flawless harmonics, and a sense of volume, it offers a truly unique tone.

Since Brazilian rosewood is no longer available, many alternative rosewood-type woods have emerged.

Martin D-28

When it comes to Martin’s flagship models, this is the one: the D-28.
The D-28, widely regarded as the global standard, features rosewood for its sides and back.

First produced in 1931 as a Martin Dreadnought, this model used Jacaranda for its rosewood sides and back from the start of production until 1969.

The D-28s from the 1950s and 1960s—often considered the epitome of vintage guitars—produce a superb sound, combining a distinctive, powerful tone with exceptional projection and the unique brilliance characteristic of Hacalanda.

1967 Martin D-28

A two-piece back featuring a generous use of rosewood. This particular instrument boasts a beautiful, crisp, and flowing grain pattern.

While there is naturally significant variation in the grain patterns of Brazilian rosewood, Martin guitars from this era in particular feature a wide range of patterns—including both flat-grained and quarter-sawn—allowing for a diverse array of Brazilian rosewood grain patterns.

The sensation of full-range projection unique to Brazilian rosewood pairs perfectly with the D-28’s powerful sound.

Martin D-35

The D-35 was introduced in 1965 as a three-piece back model based on the D-28. The story behind its creation is that, as Brazilian rosewood was becoming scarce on the market at the time, Martin laminated the limited amount of available wood to create this D-35.

At first glance, the three-piece back construction may seem designed to maximize wood yield, but its unique visual appeal and the inclusion of neck binding give it a one-of-a-kind presence and a sense of premium quality.

Furthermore, the thinner top bracing compared to the D-28 produces the delicate and responsive sound unique to the D-35. Production began in 1965, and considering that rosewood was only used until that year, a D-35 made with rosewood is truly a rare find.

1969 Martin D-35

The grain is easily recognizable, featuring a dark reddish-brown color with deep grain patterns and distinct resin pockets.

The qualities of the three-piece back are fully realized, allowing you to appreciate the various nuances of the Brazilian rosewood.
The deep yet crisp, dry resonance of the Brazilian rosewood combines with the well-balanced tone of the three-piece back to create a captivating sound.

As Brazilian rosewood became a scarce material, Indian rosewood was widely used as a substitute.

Because it grows quickly and can be harvested in large quantities, most wood simply labeled “rosewood” for guitar construction is actually this species. The majority of what is commonly available originates from western India or is grown in plantations throughout Southeast Asia; it is also known as East Indian Rosewood.

Compared to Jacaranda, it is characterized by wider vessels and a less reddish hue. It often has a flat grain pattern and lacks the exotic grain patterns seen in Jacaranda.
In terms of acoustic characteristics, it offers a versatile sound that is more flexible and has a wider frequency range compared to Jacaranda.

Compared to other rosewood species, it often has a slightly richer, more subdued tone.There is a wide range of variation between individual pieces, and the sound—where the selected wood produces a supple yet powerful response across the entire frequency range—is a must-hear. While supplies had been stable, likely due to persistent illegal logging and import/export of other species under the guise of “Indian rosewood,” regulations for all rosewood species (genus Dalbergia) were enacted under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in 2017. Indian rosewood also became subject to these regulations.
While it is not subject to a complete ban like Jacaranda, there are concerns about future developments.

Martin 000-28

The OM-28 was produced in 1929 as Martin’s first 14-fret joint guitar.
The 000-28 debuted in 1933, the same year production of the original OM model was discontinued.Featuring an OM-sized body with the same scale length as the 0 and 00 models, this model offers excellent responsiveness and a delicate, brilliant sound. The combination of its compact body and short scale length makes fingering easy, making it a model highly favored by fingerstyle players.

Even after 1970, when the use of Brazilian rosewood—which had been standard since the early days—was discontinued in favor of Indian rosewood, it has remained popular among many players, alongside the Dreadnought.

Martin 000-28

Indian rosewood with a smooth, flowing grain.

Even in today’s Martin guitars, the grain of Indian rosewood varies significantly from piece to piece, exhibiting a wide range of characteristics.
Soft, supple, and well-balanced, Indian rosewood is a perfect match for the 000-28, which prides itself on its delicacy.

Martin D-45

The first D-45 was built in 1933 on commission from country singer Gene Autry, and by 1942, 91 had been produced.

It is said that only about 70 examples remain today, making it an extremely rare gem among gems. The materials and quality control for this model were subject to stricter scrutiny than for any other Martin model; consequently, production numbers were low, and only highly skilled craftsmen were permitted to build them.

Known to be favored by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and Eric Clapton, among others, the D-45 was reintroduced in 1968 in response to numerous requests from enthusiasts—including Mike Longworth—who held a deep passion for the model. It remains Martin’s flagship model, continuing to influence countless manufacturers and luthiers to this day.

1979 Martin D-45

This 1979 D-45 is characterized by its straight and translucent grain pattern.

Selected specifically for the D-45 alongside spruce, Indian rosewood exudes overwhelming power and harmonic richness. Indian rosewood offers a wide range of options, from affordable, mass-produced entry-level models by various manufacturers to grades befitting the regal status of Martin’s pinnacle model.

Martin D-41

The D-41, positioned between the D-35 and D-45 in terms of grade, was released in 1969. Only 31 of the very earliest D-41s with Brazilian rosewood bodies actually exist—a very small number even when compared to the 229 D-45s with Brazilian rosewood bodies that were reissued between 1968 and 1969.

This model features attractive mother-of-pearl inlay work comparable to that of the D-45.

1975 Martin D-41

This is a 1975 D-41 featuring Indian rosewood. The evenly flowing grain gives it a high-grade feel that sets it apart even from the D-28.

True to its “40-series” heritage, it delivers a powerful, well-balanced sound. As the number of 1970s Indian rosewood models continues to dwindle, their rarity is on the rise.